Tacky Central - The Regenerative Livery Yard
Welcome to the livery yard wing of Tacky HQ.
We're providing an environment that offers our horses Freedom, Forage and Friends but considers the land as well. This system gives back to nature and to the horses.
This is surely what the future of livery yards needs to look like. For us it just makes sense.
At Tacky Central we run a herd of beautiful barefoot geldings, on the edge of the Chilterns (a nice way to say it’s hilly).
We use the Equicentral Land Management Ethos - so what does this mean?
THE EQUICENTRAL SYSTEM:
The alternative horse, land, grazing management system - for the health and well-being of horses, people and the wider environment
https://www.equiculture.net/the-equicentral-system
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At the farm we have 30 acres. This is split in to 6-7 fields. Each field has access to a hard standing, “loafing” area. We have 3 loafing areas in total, some Mud Control, some Type 1, some limestone dust for varied terrain, with natural shelter. Each loaf contains hay, salt and water for the horses to access at any time.
This works with the horses natural instinct to rest in a safe space, but also so they come off the grass to reduce compaction in dryer times and churning up when it's wetter.
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All fields have a vast array of hedgerow trees for plenty of browsing to supplement their diverse grazing. This ensures their dietary needs are varied and full. We then rotate the fields around the loafing area. The field they are in is grazed down to 1-2” on average, and then they are rotated to the next so no field is grazed down to a minimum. This is to protect the integrity of the root structure to keep our soil aerated and healthy.
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Once the horses are moved to a new field, the one they leave is topped for any roughs and then the manure is harrowed in. Any bare areas are muck spread and mulched to reduce weeds and mud forming. Then it's left for 6 weeks until the next grazing round arrives.
We worm count and saliva test regularly. Then Dec/Jan we worm for encysted. Any horses wormed are restricted to a smaller paddock/loaf and poo picked so we do not jeopardise our wonderful dung beetles and other lovely soil creatures. They all have their job to do.
Yard
We have 3 day stables where the horses can have additional attention, nap, TLC, body work, dentist etc. but they are communal so can touch/scratch etc. These are not for overnight stays. The herd lives out 24/7.
There is a secure tack room, toilet, storage room, feed room, fridge/freezer, tea/coffee making facilities (essential as we do all like a cuppa and a biscuit)
Therapy
We have therapy products such as the Arc Equine, Back on Track, Photizo and an on site physio with vet grade laser and body work available
We welcome a range of body workers to the farm, multi-faceted - from Fascia to Chiro, Osteo, Physio to Energy work. We can work with you on a rehab/work plan.
School
We have a grass school for Summer / Dry conditions or there is an off road ride to a school across the road. You can take lessons in either, from any instructor - ridden or ground work.
Hacking
There is hacking but we do have roads we need to navigate to get to the quieter rides so solid road ponies are needed and what we aim to train. We do in-hand walks and ridden in sensible groups. I do have a GoPro and we plaster ourselves in hi-viz.
Feet
All the horses are barefoot and this is a key part of our ethos so is non negotiable. We have Steve Leigh as our barefoot practitioner. He visits every 3 months, in between we have our own equipment to keep on top of anything or you can have your own farrier/podiatrist or both :o)
Feed
Each horse is fed a basic feed once a day. This may be on the yard or in a smaller herd environment. We feed AGROB natural forage, Simple Systems Grass Nuts and Straights plus herbs and any supplemental products.
Vibe​
The vibe we try to create is an inclusive, open and friendly one. Based along the lines of Warwick Schiller’s Attunement, TRT and Trust Technique. All horses are treated as individuals, “being seen, being heard and getting gotten”. Some clicker train, some just love their ponies and want a better lifestyle for their horses.
Our yard is all about communication and no cliques. Everyone can learn from everyone so we support each other, ask for help when needed and understand this is a place of peace and enjoyment for humans and horses.
Packages
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We offer a 6 day and 7 day packages…
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6 day you need to feed your pony Sunday but visit a few times a week to ensure health, feet and your horse is managed and prepared.
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7 day is a full package and you don’t need to think about anything inc feet, day to day care like along with our own.
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We are able to offer services: Handling for body workers, vets, dentist, in hand walks, feet, medical care, ground work, riding etc etc etc
Outside trainers are welcome. We do try to book clinics to offer to everyone as well when possible.
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All you really need to do is play with your pony…. There are no chores (although sometimes we do ask for ragworting help but you do get a discount on your livery!)
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Contact us below if this sounds like where you and your horse would thrive.
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